Hindsight: Edu Bedia – leading the Gaurs from the front
Perseverance and patience pays off for Redeem as he finally struck for the Gaurs
Goa, March 3, 2021: FC Goa assured themselves of a fourth successive place in the Hero ISL playoffs this Sunday. The Gaurs eked out a goalless draw last Sunday – their first in 51 games to book themselves the last spot in the semis this season.
Leading the charge this season has been Edu Bedia. The midfielder has been instrumental in the blueprint that Juan Ferrando drew up in his very first season at the helm. In his first season as club captain, the Spaniard has become the pivotal man in the middle of the park.
He leads the league in passes, helping the Gaurs control the tempo and directing the game as per their comforts.
With a host of new names and a short pre-season, the start wasn’t the smoothest. However, to rebuild on the go and make the playoffs yet again has been a testament of its own. Looking back at the campaign, Bedia described how the journey has been so far.
“It has been a difficult season, we started as a very young team with many new faces. However, with a lot of work that was put in by all, we have become the team that plays the best football and one of the best in terms of competing with all,” Bedia elaborated.
“The mentality that we have had throughout the season has been the same. All we have looked to do is work hard and improve every day. It hasn’t changed one bit. Putting in the grind was the only way we could have achieved success. And I am proud of the team for having been able to.”
Bedia’s fortunes have fluctuated in previous years. Whilst he was pivotal to the cause in the first two seasons in FC Goa colours, his appearances were sporadic last time around with nagging injuries showing up time and again.
This year, he has been omnipresent. And that, in turn, has led to more consistent performances from the Spaniard.
“Without a doubt, I am having my best season in the ISL. I have played in the position that I like the most and where I feel I can help the team the most,” the Spaniard opined. “I am feeling excellent physically, and I am looking forward to playing the ISL playoffs and the AFC Champions League.
January saw the Gaurs being busy in the transfer market with four new faces, viz. Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, Adil Khan, Glan Martins and Amarjit Singh Kiyam joining the squad. That meant for even more rejig in the squad. Bedia, however, feels that the signings have made FC Goa a much better team than to start the season.
“The truth is that it has been pretty straightforward in terms of integrating them into the system,” exclaimed the skipper. “The players who have joined this winter have strengthened us a lot. I think that with Glan, Adil, Amarjit and Dheera,j we are a stronger team.”
And now comes Mumbai.
The semi-finals have brought about an intriguing fixture as the Gaurs will look to get the better of a familiar foe and some familiar faces as they look to book their place in the ISL final for the third time.
Mumbai City FC has enjoyed success this season with a number of former Gaurs in their ranks and the reins being in the hands of former FC Goa head coach Sergio Lobera.
For FC Goa, they will be missing a number of key players in the first leg owing to injuries and suspension. Bedia though remains unfazed in the face of the challenge on hand.
“I am pretty relaxed if you ask me because we work as a team. The team – the union of all of us, not only the players but also the coaching staff and other staff – that’s our true strength. We are a family where everyone will go to battle for each other. That’s our real strength. And when you have that, nothing scares you,” added the 31-year-old.
“We don’t care which eleven comes out to play. We all know what we have to do. We might some absences for the first game, but we have players who are prepared to replace them. Whoever plays, we will be the same team as always.”
CREDITS: FC GOA MEDIA
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Lads from the National Capital relish Hero I-League opportunity with Sudeva Delhi FC
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners after remarkable 3-1 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners Kolkata, May 4: Mumbai City FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to emerge as the Indian Super…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…